Air Force awards advanced flight technology contracts

The Air Force has awarded contracts to two companies for the Aerospace Systems Air Platform Technology Research program.

Aurora Flight Sciences and Northrop Grumman will share six contracts, valued at $499 million, according to the Department of Defense contract announcement.

An August 2016 FedBizOpps announcement describes the Aerospace Systems Air Platform Technology Research program, under the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Aerospace Systems Directorate, as “conduct research to develop, demonstrate, integrate and transition new air vehicle technologies and systems that provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the war fighter. These technology developments provide for cost-effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide.”

The work is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

More In Industry

AI-controlled fighter jet takes Air Force secretary on historic ride

An AI-controlled F-16 flew Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall in lightning-fast maneuvers at more than 550 miles an hour as it pursued a manned jet nearby.

Pentagon technology hub sees lower transition rate, higher value deals

In its annual report, DIU said that while transitions dropped last year, the organization also facilitated its largest follow-on contract to date.

Northrop’s colossal Manta Ray underwater drone passes at-sea tests

“I think it is striking in its size and scale, even for those folks that have been there throughout the design process.”

Hensoldt UK to build radar tech for Britain’s new naval supply ships

The Royal Navy's future Fleet Solid Support ships will be equipped with a line of sensors designed to provide situational awareness in crowded waters.

Ukraine comms struggles spur European hunger for L3Harris radios

Reliable, low-profile means of relaying battlefield information have become a linchpin for fighting in Eastern Europe.